The History of The Rotary Foundation

In 1917, RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed that an endowment be set up “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, when the endowment fund had grown to more than US$5,000, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.

Five Trustees, including Klumph, were appointed to hold, invest, manage, and administer all Foundation property as a single trust to further the purposes of Rotary International.

Two years later, the Foundation made its first grant of $500 to the International Society for Crippled Children. The organization, created by Rotarian Edgar F. “Daddy” Allen, later grew into what is now known as Easter Seals.

The Great Depression and World War II slowed the Foundation’s growth, but the need for lasting world peace renewed interest in its mission after the war. Following the death of Rotary’s founder, Paul P. Harris, in 1947, contributions increased significantly, and the Paul Harris Memorial Fund was created to further build the Foundation.

That same year, the Foundation launched its first formal program, the forerunner of today’s Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships. In 1965–66, additional programs were introduced, including Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, and Matching Grants.

The Health, Hunger and Humanity (3-H) Grants program was launched in 1978, followed by the creation of Rotary Volunteers in 1980. PolioPlus was announced in 1984–85, and Rotary Grants for University Teachers followed the next year. The first peace forums were held in 1987–88, leading to the Foundation’s peace and conflict studies programs.

Support for The Rotary Foundation has grown tremendously over time. From an initial donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has now received more than $1 billion in contributions. Over one million individuals worldwide have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows for their commitment to The Rotary Foundation.

This sustained support, combined with Rotarian involvement across the globe, ensures a strong future for The Rotary Foundation as it continues its mission of promoting international understanding and world peace.

Source: https://lharotary.com/stories/history-of-the-rotary-foundation

✨What is the Arch Klumph Society?✨

Named after the sixth president of Rotary, the Arch Klumph Society recognizes The Rotary Foundation's highest tier of donors — those who have contributed $250,000 or more during their lifetime.

Membership 
Membership in the Arch Klumph Society is lifelong. Each member has the opportunity to have his or her portrait placed in the Arch Klumph Society Gallery, located on the 17th floor of Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Portraits are etched on glass plaques to create a stunning display of our Foundation's most valued supporters. Members will also have their profiles included in an interactive display, plus receive pins, pendants, and several other benefits commensurate with their generosity.

Induction and elevation ceremonies
Society members can choose to be inducted in one of several ways:

At a multi-day ceremony with other inductees at Rotary International World Headquarters
At a ceremony with local Rotary leaders during a Rotary institute
At a ceremony during the Rotary International Convention
Other induction options may be made available each year at the discretion of the trustee chair.

The Rotary Foundation now also offers elevation ceremonies to honor those who have achieved a higher recognition level within the Arch Klumph Society. These ceremonies take place in conjunction with other Arch Klumph Society inductions and provide another opportunity to celebrate these special donors’ continued generosity.

Arch Klumph Society Recognition Levels

💸$250,000-$499,999: Trustees Circle

💸$500,000-$999,999: Chair's Circle

💸$1,000,000-$2,499,999: Foundation Circle

💸$2,500,000-$4,999,999: Platinum Trustees Circle

💸$5,000,000-$9,999,999: Platinum Chair's Circle

💸$10,000,000+: Platinum Foundation Circle

The Financial Contributions of Society Members Support

Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus⏬

Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development, and Supporting the Environment.

Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/history/arch-klumph-society